Flat roofing guide to Fire Safety Building Regulations and Compliance

Understanding the Fire Safety Building Regulations and Compliance Standards for flat roofing is a vital requirement for all those specifying or designing flat roofing systems.

Earlier this year, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) and The Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA) produced a new guidance note to help roofers and contractors understand the implications of changes to Building Regulations and compliance through Approved Document B (ADB).

Our blog outlines the key points of the Fire Safety Building Regulations Guidance Document and what this means for all those involved in specifying and designing flat roofing and waterproofing systems.

Building regs – a bit of background 

The first set of national building standards was introduced in 1965.  These regulations were created to standardise building practices across the country, covering aspects such as structural stability, fire safety, ventilation, sanitation, insulation (thermal and acoustic), and accessibility.

The Building Regulations 1965 are not directly used today – new materials, technologies and practices, combined with evolving safety standards, means that they have had to evolve significantly over the years. Today they are outlined in the Building Regulations 2010, which are far more comprehensive and detailed than the original 1965 regulations. Regular amendments are made to bring the regulations up to date with recent best practice.

What is covered by the building regulations 2010? 

• Part A (Structure): Ensuring buildings are structurally sound.
• Part B (Fire Safety): Detailed requirements for fire safety, including escape routes, fire detection, and fire resistance.
• Part C (Site Preparation and Resistance to Contaminants and Moisture): Addressing issues related to ground conditions, moisture, and contamination.
• Part D (Toxic Substances): Preventing exposure to toxic substances during construction.
• Part E (Resistance to Sound): Improving sound insulation in buildings.
• Part F (Ventilation): Ensuring adequate ventilation to maintain indoor air quality.
• Part G (Sanitation, Hot Water Safety, and Water Efficiency): Covering sanitation facilities, hot water safety, and water conservation.
• Part H (Drainage and Waste Disposal): Requirements for drainage and waste disposal systems.
• Part J (Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems): Regulations for the safe installation of combustion appliances and fuel storage.
• Part K (Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact): Safety measures to prevent falls, collisions, and impacts.
• Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power): Energy efficiency requirements for new and existing buildings.
• Part M (Access to and Use of Buildings): Ensuring buildings are accessible to all users, including people with disabilities.
• Part P (Electrical Safety – Dwellings): Safety standards for electrical installations in homes.
• Part Q (Security – Dwellings): Requirements for secure doors and windows in new homes.
• Part R (Physical Infrastructure for High-Speed Electronic Communications Networks): Ensuring new buildings are equipped for high-speed broadband.
• Part S covers the infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles (EVs).

What does part B of the building regulations cover? 

Part B of the building regulations in England covers fire safety within and around buildings.  The Grenfell Fire prompted an independent review of Part B and, in 2019, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published a new clarified Approved Document B.

Changes made included ensuring the document used plain English, and that it offered clear guidance for building owners to ensure they meet regulations and there is no misunderstanding of their responsibility.

On 1 June 2022, further changes in regulations were introduced for the roofing industry, which put additional emphasis on the use of non-combustible materials, the importance of continuous fire resistance across the entire structure (roofs, walls and attachments), inspection and certification.

Clear so far? That’s where the NFRC guidance can help!

What does the NFRC guide cover? 

Through dialogue with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) the flat roofing industry was encouraged to provide guidance and recommendations regarding changes to Building Regulations and compliance through Approved Document B (ADB).

The guidance is intended to assist those involved in the specification and design of flat roofing and waterproofing systems in understanding the following:

• Changes in legislation relating to fire safety, including the ban on combustible materials
• Implications for flat roofing and waterproofing membranes
• Clarification on specific sections within ADB sections that relate to roofs that connect to external walls
• Clarification on specific sections within ADB that relate to ‘specified attachments’

Where can I find more information? 

• GUIDANCE DOCUMENT Changes in Regulations and Approved Documents Relating to Fire Safety for Flat Roofs and Balconies on ‘Relevant Buildings’ in England
• Statutory guidance: Fire safety: Approved Document B: Building regulation in England covering fire safety matters within and around buildings.

Please note that Building regulations in Ireland, Scotland and Wales are similar in their aims to ensure fire safety, but they have distinct sets of regulations and guidance documents, which can differ from those in England.

Lancastria supplies waterproofing systems that are fully compliant with the Fire Safety Building Regulations. These include our BBA Certified and BRoofT4 rated System Endura FR and our BBA Certified System THX  a seamless cold applied liquid polyurethane system.

To find out more about these Lancastria products and our other waterproofing systems contact us on 0161 777 9009 or email sales@lancastria.com